General Motors

Design Release Engineer – Exterior Hardware

General Motors$85K — $110K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Math, Physics, or Computer Science
  • 2+ years of experience as DRE (Design Release Engineer) or equivalent
  • Experience in vehicle development cycles from concept through production launch
  • Familiarity with engineering operations, specifications, and release processes
  • Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration
  • Extensive analytical abilities in solving complex problems
  • Excellent program management and physics-based problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to achieve balanced closure system solutions
  • Support system architects to guide suppliers and program teams in developing integrated solutions
  • Negotiate with partners to find optimal solutions
  • Communicate with internal and external customer organizations
  • Lead product development teams to meet hardware system deliverables on time
  • Manage design release workstreams for vehicle closure components
  • Enable high-quality, on-time vehicle launches by analyzing system performance issues

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with expected on-site presence 3 times a week
  • Limited travel requirements (<25%)
  • Opportunity to work in a cross-functional team environment
  • Possibility of developing leadership and technical skills in hardware systems and integration
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Role

The candidate’s primary responsibility is to design, engineer and release Closures Hardware Systems across multiple GM vehicle programs. Closure Hardware Systems include; Door Hardware Modules, Latches, Inside/Outside Handles, Release Cables and Rods, Window Regulators, manual/power Closure Actuators, Latches, Switches and Lock-sets for Front (Hood/e-Trunk), Rear (Lift/Tail/Swing/End Gates) and Side Closures (FR/RR Doors). As an Exterior Hardware engineer, the candidate will utilize leadership skills, creativity, initiative, and independent judgment to lead product development teams and collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver integrated and balanced solutions with ultimate focus on the end-user experience of vehicle Closures.

 What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

  • Collaborates with cross-functional partners to achieve a robust solution with balanced imperatives

    • Supporting System Architects and System Lead Engineers to guide Integrated Suppliers, Software and Services partners, Program Teams and Manufacturing partners to develop integrated solutions that balance innovation, content and imperatives within manufacturing constraints, engineering requirements and best practices.

    • Negotiates with cross-functional partners to balance solutions.

    • Collaborates extensively with Closures Structure Engineers, Software and Services Engineers, Suppliers, General Assembly and VDDV/CAE Engineers to balance component requirements, SSTS requirements, along with packaging and dimensional requirements

    • Ensuring criteria development enables quality on time execution.

    • Ensuring software Controls and Electrical requirements are developed, communicated and delivered and fully represent the voice of the customer for a best-in-class Closures user experience

    • Develops studies/alternatives, and supports Program direction based upon cost, mass, timing, DFMEA, quality, and other program imperatives

    • Communicates information to and from internal and external customer organizations

  • Technical capability in Closure Hardware systems/component development 

    • Understands System Technical Specifications to enable adaptation to new vehicles

    • Technical knowledge of Closures and system integration with working knowledge of Closure components (Latches, I/O-side Handles, Counterbalance, Power Actuators, Handles, Sensors etc.)

    • Knowledge of competitive benchmarks and trends in subsystem space

    • Engaged with Technical Specialist team and active participant in technical knowledge sharing forums (SSLTs)

    • Understands and implements system best practices and can quickly and effectively share learning’s and knowledge read-across with other programs/platforms.

    • Familiar with manufacturing process for Closures across Stamping, Body, Paint and General Assembly

  • Leads the Product Development Team enabling the hardware system to meet all deliverables on time while managing imperative and providing integrated solutions across multiple programs

    • Manage all design release workstreams for their vehicle hardware components. The role will include responsibility for the entire collection of Exterior HW for that vehicle program.

    • Running effective HW system PDTs

    • Execute Quality Chain elements with rigor and excellence

    • Co-Lead System Design Reviews, Peer reviews, DRBTR reviews, ensure 100 percent design fidelity and best practice compliance– with focus on HW/SW integration issues, specifically in the software Controls domain.

    • Completion of the key deliverables through the VDP utilizing PDT and component timing plans, including math releases, SOR’s, Sourcing, Tool Kick Offs, Validation/Verification, ICDm/e, CRV’s, MRD’s for build events, and PPAP.

    • Working knowledge of GM systems and processes (ECR, PRTS, eMerge, PPAP, TWO’s etc.)

    • Leads in the development, execution and approval of Verification plans for subsystems

    • Supports the PDT, SQ and Purchasing team to enable on-time sourcing of qualified Suppliers

    • Uses Robust Engineering tools (DFSS, OPEX, etc) to optimize product design

  • Enables high-quality on-time vehicle launch

    • Determines the root cause of system performance issues.

    • Understands Controls logic and intended customer-facing Closure system behavior

    • Works with cross-functional partners (Controls, SW engineers, Test Engineers etc.) to develop Closure system performance validation plans

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Math, Physics, or Computer Science

  • 2+ years of experience as DRE or equivalent or comparable new product development

  • Execution of vehicle development cycles for systems and subsystems (concept through production launch)

  • Familiar with engineering operations, specification and release processes, and best practices

  • Strong interpersonal skills enabling ability to work effectively with cross-functional and cross-cultural teams

  • Extensive level of analytical ability where problems are complex or difficult.

  • Demonstrated ability of ‘dealing with ambiguity’ to enable timely decision making.

  • Excellent program management skills

  • Excellent physics based and methodical problem-solving skills

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • 3+ years of experience as DRE or equivalent or comparable new product development

  • Execution of vehicle development cycles for systems and subsystems (concept through production launch)

  • Master of Science or other Advanced Degree

  • DFSS Green or Black Belt Certification and Red X Journeyman

  • Knowledge and use of VSpy diagnostic applications

  • MATLAB and Simulink modelling capability

#LI-KM2

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

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At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

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